President Roderick J. McDavis approved revisions to three Ohio University policies on May 28.

One of those, policy 42.501, establishes the conditions for the safe use of decorations in university buildings.

According to Joe Adams, director of Environmental Health and Safety, the most significant revision includes the removal of instructions for making a flame retardant treatment to be used on flammable decorations. In the new policy, decorations not already made with flame retardant materials are banned outright.

"It's a difficult procedure to do properly," he said of applying the treatment. "Also, the majority of (decorations) now are available pre-treated."

In addition, policy 44.107, which governs the handling, containment and disposal of biohazardous waste and ensures that the university is in compliance with government regulations and other guidelines, was recently revised in order to streamline the policy according to suggestions from the faculty researchers and administrators on the university's biosafety committee.

Finally, policy 47.010, which provides guidelines for basic food sanitation requirements and practices that need to be followed at any temporary food service locations on campus, now states that departments do not have to request a permit to hold small pot-luck events. However, they are welcome to contact Environmental Health and Safety for advice and tips on maintaining food safety.